I’m visiting home soon and want to bring a suitable book about gender equality or against toxic masculinity for my 12 yo nephew. He’s not my kid so I don’t “own” his education, and I don’t wish the book title or content read too obvious or dense (i.e. “Feminist Book for Boys”) that feels like I’m throwing a shade at my sister and BIL. To give you an idea, my family cannot really be categorized into western political spectrum and they’re not “conservative”, however they’re culturally more “traditional” because that’s the sociocultural environment they grew up in. Also for the kid’s sake I wish the book is fun to read. I’m not trying to “mould” him into a certain person specifically but wish to supplement some experience that his upbringing may lack.
Thank you very much for any suggestions!
by Comfortable_Act_141
5 Comments
I wouldn’t say it’s a feminist title, but my 12yo stepson really enjoyed The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. I found it to be a great pick for a boy who needs a little ambition and care for the wider community. Plus, you get to bond again because there’s a movie.
Nimona might be fun! It’s a comic about a girl who can shape-shift into like a dragon and stuff. (There is also a very tame romance between 2 male knights).
Your best bet, if you want to be more subtle in front of family, might be to get him a fiction book that explores feminist themes – the *Protector of the Small* series, by Tamora Pierce, is one that comes to mind and would probably suit a 12-year-old.
Also, what about Neil Gaiman’s What You Need to Be Warm (is it for younger kids?) or his 3-book box set with Chris Ridell (The Graveyard Book, Fortunately The Milk & Caroline)? I do not know why these books popped up when I googled “feminist book for boys”… my nephew did ask to buy Good Omens hence this ask.
Why not just the Heartstopper series to introduce him to diversity, consent and all that?
The books are heartwarming and fun to read, they are graphic novels, which is even more accesable.